These degrees are intended to honor individuals whose significant community service, scholarly or artistic achievements are
worthy of Drexel University's highest honor. The awarding of honorary degrees is intended to encourage a standard of excellence
which is exemplary to students and to society.
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John J. "Jack" Brennan is chairman of the investment firm The Vanguard Group and a member of the board
of directors of each of the Vanguard mutual funds. Headquartered in Malvern, Pa., Vanguard is one of the world's largest
and most influential investment companies.
Mr. Brennan joined Vanguard in 1982, became president in 1989 and CEO in 1996 and has been chairman of the board since
1998. Over the course of his 12-year tenure as CEO, the firm grew to $1.25 trillion in assets and 150 domestic funds, with
additional funds in international markets. The firm has a staff of 12,000 in the United States and 12 international
locations.
In November 2008, in response to concerns about the stability of money market funds, the Investment Company Institute,
a trade organization representing mutual fund companies, formed the Money Market Working Group and chose Mr. Brennan to
lead it. The group brought together industry participants to make recommendations for improvement and change without waiting
for regulators or politicians to act. The panel's recommendations, says Mr. Brennan, have resulted in extreme stability for
money market funds and, if universally adopted, would raise the minimum industry standards to a "best practices" level.
Mr. Brennan is a past chairman of the Investment Company Institute, the chairman of the Financial Accounting Foundation,
a governor of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, a trustee of the University of Notre Dame, a director of the United
Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania and a past governor of United Way of America.
He is the author of Straight Talk on Investing: What You Need to Know, a primer on sensible long-term investing. Mr.
Brennan is often featured in business and investment-industry publications for his insights into the financial markets and
issues affecting the investment industry. Mr. Brennan earned his bachelor of arts degree at Dartmouth College and his master
of business administration degree at Harvard Business School.
In recognition of his leadership of one of Greater Philadelphia's most successful and responsible businesses, as well as
his outstanding service to the region, Drexel University is proud to confer upon John J. Brennan the degree of Doctor of
Business Administration, honoris causa.
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Richard E. Caruso, Ph.D., is founder and CEO of the New Jersey-based medical device company Integra
LifeSciences. His company has created a new branch of medicine, regenerative medicine, in which the body re-creates its
own parts. Integra has annual sales approaching $750 million, with approximately 3,000 associates doing business in more
than 100 countries.
Dr. Caruso is also founder and member of venture fund The Provco Group, which organizes and provides funding for
entrepreneurs and businesses. Provco concentrates in manufacturers' lease programs, venture financing, real estate,
alternate energy, leveraged buyouts, reorganizations, personal property, private equity, venture capital and alternative
investment strategies.
Dr. Caruso serves as an advisor to Quaker BioVentures, NewSpring Capital and ePlanet Ventures III and on the boards of
Nitric Biotherapeutics, Inc. and Diasome Pharmaceuticals, LLC. He also is a member of the boards of Susquehanna University
and the Baum School of Art.
Previously, Dr. Caruso was a principal of LFC Financial Corp. in Radnor, Pa., which originated approximately $3 billion
of creative lease and project finance transactions. Prior to joining LFC, Dr. Caruso was a CPA and auditor with Price
Waterhouse & Co. in Philadelphia. He received a bachelor of science degree from Susquehanna University, a master of science
in business administration degree from Bucknell University and a doctoral degree from the London School of Economics.
In 1986, Dr. Caruso founded the non-profit Uncommon Individual Foundation, devoted to the implementation of protégé-driven,
open-system mentoring.
This year, Dr. Caruso chaired the first selection committee for Drexel's Anthony J. Drexel Exceptional Achievement Award,
a $100,000 national prize honoring excellence in translational, or "use-inspired," research. The inaugural award focused on
biomedical engineering and the life sciences.
Dr. Caruso was named the 2006 Ernst & Young National Entrepreneur of the Year.
In honor of his excellence in the life sciences, his commitment to entrepreneurship and his service to the University,
Drexel is proud to confer upon Richard E. Caruso the degree of Doctor of Biomedical Engineering, honoris causa.
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Matthew W. Emmens is president, chairman and chief executive officer of Vertex Pharmaceuticals of Cambridge, Mass.,
having joined the company as president in February 2009. Vertex is a global biotechnology company committed to the discovery
and development of breakthrough small-molecule drugs for serious diseases. The company's strategy is to commercialize its
products both independently and in collaboration with major pharmaceutical companies.
The company's product pipeline focuses on viral diseases, cystic fibrosis, inflammation, autoimmune diseases, cancer and
pain. With GlaxoSmithKline, Vertex co-discovered the HIV protease inhibitor Lexiva. The company is in clinical trials with a
first-in-class protease inhibitor treatment for hepatitis C, and is working to finish developing the first oral pill for cystic
fibrosis. Vertex has more than 1,500 employees in Cambridge; San Diego, Calif.; Coralville, Iowa; and the United Kingdom.
Mr. Emmens also is chairman and CEO of specialty biopharmaceutical company Shire. He began his career in 1974 in
international pharmaceuticals with Merck & Co. He held a wide range of sales, marketing and training positions with
Merck before moving to help establish Astra Merck, the joint venture with Astra Pharmaceuticals, later becoming its
president and chief executive officer. Astra Merck became an independent, top-20 U.S. pharmaceutical company. In 1999,
he joined Merck KGaA and established EMD Pharmaceuticals, the company's U.S. prescription pharmaceutical business. He
was later promoted to president of Merck KGaA's global prescription business, based in Germany.
With poet and novelist Beth Kephart, Mr. Emmens co-wrote the imaginative and visionary business fable, Zenobia: The
Curious Book of Business: A Tale of Triumph Over Yes-Men, Cynics, Hedgers, and Other Corporate Killjoys, in which they
demonstrate the power of teamwork and creative thinking, the role of imagination and discovering new ideas and the ability
of an ordinary person to act as the catalyst for change.
Mr. Emmens holds a degree in business management from Fairleigh Dickenson University.
In recognition of his role in and vision for one of the nation's most vibrant and important industries, pharamaceuticals,
Drexel University is proud to confer upon Matthew W. Emmens the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa.
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Captain Christopher J. Ferguson is a NASA astronaut who has spent more than 28 days in space on two Shuttle
missions. He is a 1984 Drexel graduate and the 2009 Drexel University Engineer of the Year.
Capt. Ferguson piloted Atlantis on mission STS-115 in 2006 before commanding Endeavor on mission STS-126 in 2008, delivering
a water recycling system, sleeping quarters, a kitchen, a space commode, exercise equipment and a combustion science experiment
to the International Space Station. He also served as lead spacecraft communicator for mission STS-118 by Endeavor in 2007. He
is currently the voice of the astronaut office with regard to design of the Aries launch vehicle and Orion exploration vehicle,
which will replace the Space Shuttle after its 2010 retirement.
Capt. Ferguson graduated from the Naval Postgraduate/Test Pilot School program in 1992. Through June 1994 he was assigned to
the Strike Aircraft Test Directorate at the Naval Air Station Patuxent River as the project officer for the F-14D (Tomcat)
weapon separation program, becoming the first pilot to release several types of air-to-ground weapons from the Tomcat. He taught
for a year at the Naval Test Pilot School before joining the VF-211 squadron, the "Fighting Checkmates," and serving in the
Western Pacific/Persian Gulf on the USS Nimitz. Capt. Ferguson received his Navy Wings in 1996 and was ordered to the F-14
Tomcat training squadron in Virginia Beach before joining the VF-11 squadron, the "Red Rippers," deploying to the North
Atlantic, the Mediterranean and the Indian Ocean on the USS Forrestal. He attended the Navy Fighter Weapon School ("Topgun")
and briefly served as an F-14 logistics officer for the Atlantic Fleet prior to his selection to the space program.
A member of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots, Capt. Ferguson's many recognitions include the Defense Meritorious
Service Medal, the Navy Strike/Flight Air Medal, the NASA Spaceflight Medal, three Navy Commendation Medals and the Navy
Achievement Medal.
He earned a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering from Drexel in 1984 and holds a master of science in
aeronautical engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School.
In honor of his service to the nation, his achievements in space and his outstanding representation of his alma mater,
Drexel University is honored to confer upon Captain Christopher J. Ferguson the degree of Doctor of Engineering, honoris
causa.
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Barbara L. Nichols, D.H.L., M.S., RN, FAAN, is the chief executive officer of the Commission on Graduates of
Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS International), an authority on the education, registration and licensure of nurses and health
care professionals worldwide. Its mission is to provide expert credentials evaluation and professional development services to
promote the health and safety of the public. CGFNS International ensures that nurses and other health care professionals educated
in countries other than the United States are eligible and qualified to meet licensure, immigration and other practice requirements
in this country.
Previously, Ms. Nichols was a professor of nursing at the University of Wisconsin School of Nursing and director of nursing
for Wisconsin Area Health Education Center System. As the Secretary of the Department of Regulation and Licensing for the state
of Wisconsin, Ms. Nichols was responsible for 17 boards that regulated 59 occupations and professions. She is a past president
of the American Nurses Association, and served her country as a lieutenant in the United States Navy Nurse Corps.
Ms. Nichols is on the board of directors and the Personnel Certification and Accreditation Committee of the American National
Standards Institute.
The recipient of many accolades, Ms. Nichols was a 2006 inaugural inductee to the National Black Nurses Association Institute
of Excellence and a 2007 Distinguished Scholar at Howard University College of Pharmacy, Nursing and Allied Health Sciences,
Division of Nursing. She served as an ambassador for Research!America's Paul G. Rogers Society for Global Health Research.
Ms. Nichols has written more than 70 publications on nursing and health care delivery. She holds a diploma in nursing from
Massachusetts Memorial Hospital in Boston, a baccalaureate degree from Case Western University in Cleveland and a master's
degree in behavior disabilities from the University of Wisconsin, Madison.
In recognition of her great service to the nursing profession and, in turn, to the health of all Americans, Drexel University
is honored to confer upon Barbara L. Nichols the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa.
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Eliana Papadakis became Drexel's First Lady upon the appointment of her husband, Dr. Constantine Papadakis,
as University president in 1995 and served with distinction, grace and unwavering commitment until his death in April 2009.
She and her daughter Maria, a 2008 University graduate, remain beloved and active members of the Drexel community.
As First Lady, Mrs. Papadakis made vital contributions to Drexel fundraising, alumni and student relations, public relations
and events. She traveled extensively on Drexel business, and she and Dr. Papadakis hosted more than 1,500 guests each year on
behalf of the University at the Drexel president's residence, The Orchards.
A tireless volunteer in community service, Mrs. Papadakis served on the boards of the Philadelphia Foundation, which manages
$200 million in assets entrusted for philanthropic purposes; Carelift International, a non-profit organization dedicated to
improving global health; and the American Red Cross, Southern Pennsylvania Chapter. She was also a member of the Divas Committee
of the Opera Company of Philadelphia, which raises funds through educational and social activities.
A recipient of bachelor's and master's degrees in education from the University of Cincinnati, Mrs. Papadakis was employed
between 1972 and 1985 by Catholic Social Services in Ann Arbor, Mich., as assistant director for children's services. Her
duties included management and supervision of adoption, foster care, staff and social workers and volunteers. She also worked
for Montgomery County in Silver Springs, Md., as a CETA (Comprehensive Employment and Training Act) Specialist, supervising
outreach workers delivering employment training to minority groups in Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Virginia and coordinating
medical and mental health services at employment training facilities.
Mrs. Papadakis also organized fundraising and social events at the University of Cincinnati during her husband's tenure as
dean of the College of Engineering (1986-1995) and at Colorado State University when Dr. Papadakis headed the civil engineering
department (1984-1986).
In recognition of her commitment to Drexel and to community service, and as an expression of the University community's love
and admiration of the Papadakis family, Drexel University is honored to confer upon Eliana Papadakis the degree of Doctor of
Humane Letters, honoris causa.
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Malik Rose is a 13-year veteran of the National Basketball Association and has been a member of two NBA
championship teams. He graduated from Drexel in 1996 with All-America honors after leading the Dragons to three NCAA basketball
tournaments and the school's only victory in an NCAA tournament game. At Drexel, Mr. Rose averaged more than 16 points and 12
rebounds per game over his four-year career.
After graduation and one year with the Charlotte Hornets, Mr. Rose spent more than seven seasons with the San Antonio Spurs.
He was one of the team's most popular players and was a key member of the Spurs' 1999 and 2003 NBA championship teams. In 2005,
he was traded to the New York Knicks, much to the dismay of Spurs fans. This past February, he was traded from the Knicks to the
Oklahoma City Thunder.
Mr. Rose is known as one of the game's most community-minded players, having received the NBA Community Assist Award in 2003.
He joined the rest of his teammates and a bevy of celebrities at Knicks Bowl 6 in 2005 to raise funds for the Red Holzman
Cheering for Children Foundation and to aid after-school programs in New York City schools. He participated in the 2004
Basketball Without Borders program in South Africa, and teamed with Wells Fargo and the Spurs Foundation to create Malik's Math
Challenge, an annual contest to help middle school children with their math skills. He was active in the Spurs' Read to Achieve
program and donated a section of 20 seats at every Spurs home game to underprivileged youth in San Antonio. He was commissioner
of the Spurs/Pizza Hut Drug-Free Basketball League and donated time and money to the Carver Academy, Boys & Girls Clubs of San
Antonio, the San Antonio Symphony and the San Antonio chapter of the American Heart Association.
In recognition of his success as a professional athlete, his service to his community and the great credit he reflects on his
alma mater, Drexel University is honored to confer upon Malik Rose the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa.
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H. Patrick Swygert is former president of Howard University in Washington, D.C., the oldest historically
black university in the United States. Before joining Howard, Mr. Swygert was president of the State University of New York at
Albany from 1990 to 1995. He began his career as a law clerk for Justice William H. Hastie and then taught law at Temple
University, going on to serve as acting dean of the law school, vice president of administrative affairs and executive vice
president of the university from 1987 to 1990.
Founded in 1867, Howard University is one of only two federally chartered colleges and has a long and impressive history
of advocacy, having educated a stellar list of African Americans who have made major contributions to research, civil rights
and the arts. The Howard University School of Law was described as the "West Point of the Civil Rights Movement."
In 1995, when Mr. Swygert became the 15th president the school, Howard was in debt and had experienced a decline in faculty
and student morale. Mr. Swygert revitalized the school through his "Strategic Framework for Action," creating the Center of
Excellence in Teaching and Learning and the National Center for African American Heritage and Culture, making computers
accessible to all teachers and students, increasing the university's endowment, attracting more high-performing African
American students and making needed repairs.
Mr. Swygert is a member of the Central Intelligence Agency's External Advisory Board, the Advisory Council for the
Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of African American History and Culture, the D.C. Emancipation Commemoration
Commission, the U.S. National Commission for UNESCO and the Commission on Presidential Debates. He is also a Distinguished
Adjunct Lecturer at the National Defense University's Institute for National Strategic Studies.
Mr. Swygert graduated from Howard University in 1965 and later received a J.D. degree from the Howard University School
of Law.
In honor of his distinguished career in higher education and his commitment to the educational success of minorities,
Drexel University is honored to confer upon H. Patrick Swygert the degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa.
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Suzy Welch is a renowned author, commentator and business journalist. She is best known as the writer and
editor of numerous books and articles dealing with leadership, change and human resource management issues. With her husband
Jack Welch, former CEO of General Electric, Ms. Welch co-writes a weekly column, "The Welch Way," that appears in BusinessWeek
magazine and is published by the New York Times syndicate in more than 45 major newspapers around the world, reaching more
than eight million readers.
Ms. Welch also co-wrote with her husband the international best-seller Winning, based on the questions most frequently
asked of Mr. Welch by the more than 300,000 businesspeople he has spoken to since he retired, and its companion volume,
Winning: The Answers. On her own, Ms. Welch is a columnist for O, The Oprah Magazine, where she writes frequently about
balancing work and life, as well as managing career challenges.
In her most recent book, 10-10-10: A Life-Transforming Idea, Ms. Welch offers an in-depth look at the innovative and
immediately accessible strategy she has developed for making difficult decisions—projecting and comparing results and
consequences in 10 minutes, 10 months and 10 years. "The practical upshot of her approach," according to Publishers Weekly,
"is the ability to break through the often paralyzing ambivalence that keeps people in dead end jobs and relationships."
Born in Portland, Ore., Ms. Welch received her bachelor of arts degree from Harvard College in 1981 and joined the
Miami Herald as a reporter. She left daily journalism to attend Harvard Business School, where she graduated as a Baker
Scholar in 1988. After Harvard, she worked as a management consultant, specializing in strategy and manufacturing. She
joined the Harvard Business Review as a senior editor in 1995 and was named editor-in-chief in 2001.
In recognition of her contributions to business journalism and her inspirational writings, Drexel University is honored
to confer upon Suzy Welch the degree of Doctor of Business Administration, honoris causa.
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James "Jamie" Wyeth is a contemporary realist painter and third-generation member of Pennsylvania's most distinguished artistic
family—he is the son of Andrew Wyeth and the grandson of N.C. Wyeth. A sensitive observer of his rural surroundings, Mr. Wyeth paints livestock and
other animals with the same care and intensity he devotes to portraits of people.
As a boy, Mr. Wyeth showed natural artistic talent and left public school after the sixth grade to be tutored at home, spending at least eight
hours a day studying, sketching and painting. By the time he was 18, his paintings hung in permanent museum collections.
He undertook notable commissions, such as a posthumous portrait of President John F. Kennedy for which he studied photos and motion picture footage
and spoke with people who knew the president, including Jacqueline Kennedy. He took part in the NASA Art Program, recording details of U.S. space
probes, and painted courtroom scenes from the Watergate hearings. He has painted postage stamps, White House Christmas cards, children's books and
commemorative coins.
Well known for his meticulous animal portraits, including Portrait of Pig and Raven in the Brandywine River Museum collection, Mr. Wyeth also
produced striking portraits of Rudolf Nureyev and Andy Warhol. Attracted by Mr. Wyeth's realistic style, officials of the Soviet Union invited him
in 1975 to tour some of the country's art centers. While there, he sought out dissident artists and argued their cause with his official hosts,
later saying, "Painting, music, dance, and literature are not themselves the tools of politics—and should not be—but they do set yardsticks of
aspiration, standards of excellence and emblems of humanity."
Mr. Wyeth is a council member of the National Endowment for the Arts and a member of the boards of governors of the National Space Institute,
the National Academy of Design and the American Watercolor Society.
In honor of his achievements as one of America's premier artists, Drexel University is proud to confer upon Jamie Wyeth the degree of Doctor of
Humane Letters, honoris causa.